Page 1 Report #3 of the Interim Graduate Council Vice President, Academic D.R. Mock introduced this report. He said that the work of considering how best to address the change in Ryerson s mandate in 1993 to allow the introduction of graduate programs began as soon as the mandate was approved. The first step in this process was to build research capacity. He recognized the leadership of the Interim Graduate Studies Council in the review and assessment of several proposals for new graduate programs and called on R. Mendelson, Associate Vice President, Academic to speak in detail to their report. R. Mendelson then began her comments by recognizing the members of the Interim Graduate Council: Heather Beanlands, Ingrid Bryan, Ken Jones, Diane Kennedy, Anne Kittler, Steven Liss, Agnes Meinhard, Dennis Mock, Beth Moore Milroy, John Shields, Doug White. Original members that have since left the Interim Graduate Council were Carol Baines, Jane Fuller, Mike Mayo, Bob Gardner and Marc Rosen. She then reviewed the process whereby proposed graduate programs were reviewed. She also thanked in particular John Lennox, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Fred Fletcher, Dean, of Fine Arts from York University for their support of the development of the proposed Ryerson/York program in Communication and Culture. With reference to the proposed Joint Program in Spatial Analysis (with the University of Toronto), special thanks were offered to Dr. Maurice Yeates, former Chair of OCGS and Professor of Geography at Queen s University. Professor Yeates was thanked for his assistance in the development of this proposal. 1. It was then moved by I. Levine and seconded by E. Aspevig that the Joint Programme in Communication and Culture (MA and PhD) with York University be approved by Academic Council. R. Mendelson then spoke to the motion, explaining the proposed program is founded on perceived complimentary strengths of faculty and facilities at York University and at Ryerson. I. Levine commented that the proposal had been some three years in its development and represented a gratifying example of cooperation between York University, as an established university in the field and Ryerson, as a relatively new university with certain strengths in this area. He acknowledged the importance of the contributions of a large number of Ryerson and York faculty members and acknowledged in particular the
Page 2 contributions at Ryerson of E. Aspevig, W. Cukier and M. Murphy. He concluded his comments by saying that the proposed program represents an enormous opportunity for Ryerson s students and an excellent opportunity for collaborative research involving Ryerson and York University faculty. E. Aspevig commented that the proposed program will be a wonderful opportunity for students to further their qualifications and for faculty to develop research interests and to pursue research opportunities. The program should have great societal benefits as well. He stressed in particular that the proposed program, once up and running, should yield opportunities for collaborative work between Ryerson faculty and York faculty. The development of this program has been an important and valuable learning experience for those at Ryerson involved in its development and he thanked especially Fred Fletcher of York, who has been so supportive of the development at all stages. W. Cukier emphasized that the interdisciplinary nature of the proposed program will draw on resources from three Faculties and nine schools and in that way, will be unique in Canada. She also thanked Fred Fletcher. If there is excellence in the proposal, in substantial measures it is due to the quality of his advocacy for Ryerson at York and his wise stewardship of the proposal. Fred Fletcher was recognized and he thanked those who had expressed thanks to him for his contributions. He said that what drove his interest in support for the proposal was his respect for the quality of the people Ryerson brought to the process. C. Zamaria congratulated all involved on the development of an excellent proposal. He said that, in his view, it fits with Ryerson s strengths and traditions. He did however express concerns about the wisdom of embarking on what looked like an exciting opportunity for graduate study before addressing more basic problems related to undergraduate programs and limited availability of certain facilities. D. Mock commented that this is an issue which everyone in the university must address. Ryerson was allotted substantial financial support when it was granted an opportunity to develop graduate university programs. In particular the decision was made that first Ryerson should develop a graduate program but the programs developed must be related to those areas for which Ryerson has the strengths that justify this sort of initiative. He also stressed that Ryerson has been careful in the development of these programs to maintain our undergraduate focus. The chair then recognized J. Morgan, Chief Negotiator for the Ryerson Faculty
Page 3 Association. Professor Morgan commented that negotiations are under way and that anything approved by Council today with reference to matters covered by the Collective Agreement is subject to negotiation under the terms of the conditions of the collective agreement. R. Kapp commented that he finds this to be a truly exciting proposal and was struck by the references within it to the work of Harold Innis and Marshall McLuhan. He also expressed the hope that people retained to teach at Ryerson in this joint program, and for that matter in the other program, involving Ryerson and the University of Toronto, will be paid at levels comparable to those at York and the University of Toronto. M. Koc asked for clarification about who decides who will be members of the graduate faculty. He also wanted to know if the establishment of these two proposed programs may limit the establishment of other programs. R. Mendelson commented that these issues will be addressed later in the proposal. E. Freisen asked for information on where the report on library resources referred to in the proposal for the joint Ryerson/York program is to be found. R. Mendelson commented that this has not been attached to the documents before Council as was the case of the number of other supportive documents. These are available for review in her office. C. Zamaria asked whether graduate teaching will be subject to an RFA membership requirement. Both C. Lajeunesse and D. Mock replied that this would be the case. C. Lajeunesse also commented that work matters related to graduate studies will be subject to negotiation. J. Morgan commented, when recognized by the chair, that no arrangements have as yet been agreed. The proposal before Council then CARRIED. Three abstentions were declared. 2. It was moved by E. Aspevig and seconded by J. Monro that the Joint Programme in Spatial Analysis (MSA) with University of Toronto be approved.
Page 4 Professor P. Coppack, Chair of the Department of Geography, was recognized to speak to the proposal. He thanked in particular Professor Marie Truelove and Carl Amrhein, former head of Geography at the University of Toronto, for their work initiating the proposal. He said that the proposal for a Joint Programme in Spatial Analysis is well suited to Ryerson because of our advanced involvement in information technology related to Spatial Analysis. He also thanked Professor Maurice Yeates. The work of these three was critical to the speedy development and integrity of the final proposal. A question that arose involved the section of the proposal dealing with library resources, on page 25. Is the policy of the Ryerson Polytechnic University library to focus significant sources on collections related to graduate programs. R. Malinski replied that Ryerson s investments in these areas benefits all levels of education, undergraduate as well as graduate. He distributed to the meeting certain data on current library holdings and strengths, copy attached to these minutes. It was noted that the proposal before the meeting had been approved by the Geography Department of the University of Toronto and that a mechanism for selecting the person who would have primary academic administrative responsibility for the program also had been defined. R. Malinski noted that Ryerson has been in partnership with the University of Toronto and York in regard to developments in the Information Technology area. M. Koc commented that he has been very excited about the improvements of the quality in the Ryerson library. R. Kapp asked whether access to the Robarts Library for all Ryerson students is a possibility, in the light of these new partnership developments. R. Malinski replied that this is a goal but it is a goal that is not yet achieved. The proposal then CARRIED. There were 3 abstentions. 3. It was moved by K. Alnwick and seconded by E. Aspevig that CARRIED. Procedures for New Graduate Program Approval (originally approved October 1, 1996) be modified to include approval of the Vice President, Academic.
Page 5 4. It was moved by D. Smith and seconded by I. Levine that Academic Council approve the proposed Procedures for the Establishment of a School of Graduate Studies. R. Kapp asked whether under the proposed policy faculty from the University of Toronto could become members of our Graduate Faculty. The reply was that this could occur only after a formal cross appointment. M. Koc asked whether tenure status was required for appointment to the School of Graduate Studies. R. Mendelson replied that the structure allows involvement of new, non-tenure faculty where this is academically appropriate. She said that the key is capacity to supervise graduate students. J. Pearce asked for clarification of the basic criteria for membership in the School of Graduate Studies, with particular reference to credentials. R. Mendelson replied that the earned doctorate is the key qualification. The proposal CARRIED, with one opposed and two abstentions. 5. Moved by K. Alnwick and seconded by W. Cukier that Academic Council approve the proposed Policies and Procedures for Admission to Graduate Studies. The proposal CARRIED without discussion. With reference to item 4.2 in the policy adopted by Academic Council, M. Doucet, President of the Ryerson Faculty Association, commented that the Faculty Association wishes to and expects to be involved in the definition of the role of faculty advisors. The Faculty Association takes the proposals regarding graduate studies to be works in progress, allowing for a subsequent review and decision on negotiation regarding any implications with the contract. 6. It was moved by E. Aspevig and seconded by S. Williams that CARRIED. Academic Council adopt the proposed policies and procedures for Funding Graduate Studies.
Page 6 7. It was moved by C. McIntosh and seconded by R. Malinski that Academic Council approve the proposed Policies for Graduate Students Services. A. DeLuca noted that RYESAC has made a provision for membership of a graduate student on their governing body. The proposal was CARRIED without further discussion. 8. It was moved K. Alnwick and seconded by I. Levine that Academic Council approve Policy for Out of Province Graduate Programs. R. Mendelson noted that some appropriate language welcoming involvement with out of province institutions will be added but the principles in the policy as written will remain. The proposal CARRIED. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.